EXCELLENT  
  
 Based on 72 reviews 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
  
 
 M  
 
September 9, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Helen was a wonderful tour guide! She communicated clearly ahead of time with weather information and meet up instructions. She tailored our itinerary for the changing weather conditions and provided interesting, valuable cultural context and information about the sights we saw. The minivan we used for the day was very comfortable and the small tour format was perfect for a day out. The itinerary was not too jam packed and we did not feel rushed like some tour bus arrangements. This tour was a highlight of our trip and we recommend anyone looking to explore Aso seek out her services!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Violet  
 
July 18, 2026
 
 
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Had a wonderful private tour with Helen, and despite having bad luck with the weather for Mt Aso, Helen was able to adjust things on the day. Ended up at some peaceful and beautiful waterfalls, shrines, springs, a cute topiary park as well as the highlight of the day, Kikuchi Gorge. Would highly recommend, it was wonderful to see so many off the beaten track places.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Daniel  
 
June 19, 2026
 
 
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I recently booked a tour for the One Piece statues with Helen and it was a great experience! Helen does a great job at explaining the history of the Kumamoto earthquakes and why each of the states are in their respective locations. It was so amazing to finally see these statues as a One Piece fan and I couldn't have asked for a better experience.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Adisara  
 
June 15, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
If you are a One Piece fan—or honestly, even if you just love a great story with deep heart—you absolutely must take the One Piece statue hunt!

​Our guide, Helen, was incredible. Her friendliness instantly made us feel welcome, but it was her insights that turned this into an unforgettable experience - the deep influence of Oda's childhood, and Kumamoto's history that is hidden behind aspects of One Piece is just pure gold.

​Learning about the devastating impact of the 2016 earthquake on Kumamoto, and the deeply thoughtful reasons why each specific One Piece character statue was placed in its exact location, was incredibly touching. It wasn't just a photo-op tour; it gave everything a profound sense of purpose and meaning that made our entire trip so so much more special.

​I highly and absolutely recommend this tour to anyone visiting the area.

Thank you, Helen, for an amazing day!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Amber  
 
June 15, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
One of the best experiences I’ve had in Japan! Highly recommend Helen’s One Piece tour. She’s a fan herself and tells you a lot about the history of the story and its connection to Kumamoto.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 EP  
 
May 20, 2026
 
 
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Amazing experience with Helen! We did the One Piece tour and the whole day was magical! We had so much fun and we learned so much! Thank you so much again for this wonderful tour!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Timur  
 
May 9, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
We recently went on a custom tour to the Aso region, Takachiho Gorge, and the Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine. It was an absolute highlight of our Kyushu trip! Helen was truly exceptional. She was able to tell us fascinating stories and cool background facts about every little detail along the way. For instance, at the Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, she shared the legend of gods and demons fighting, explaining how the massive hole in the rock was supposedly kicked open by a demon during battle with a god. These are the kinds of unique insights you would simply never get if you were exploring these places on your own.

Unfortunately, the Naka-dake crater was closed on the day of our visit, but Helen handled it perfectly. She was incredibly flexible and spontaneously offered us great alternative locations to visit instead. Moreover, the entire tour felt very laidback and not rushed at all. We could really take our time and enjoy everything at our own pace, which made the experience even better.

We highly recommend booking a tour with Helen to anyone looking to escape the big city jungle of places like Fukuoka. The nature and the landscapes, especially around Takachiho and the wider Mt. Aso area, are absolutely stunning and a definite must see. Thank you, Helen, for a great and memorable day! 🙏
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
  
 
 Beth  
 
March 5, 2026
 
 
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We contacted ExploreKumamoto to get onto a tour to Takachiho Gorge. There was not a tour running there on the day we planned, but Helen was so helpful and arranged another driver to take us on the same itinerary anyway. We had the most wonderful day - Maeda was so friendly and helpful and we learnt so much about Japan. We would recommend everyone to use ExploreKumamoto - it has been an absolute highlight of our trip.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
  
 
 Rozy  
 
January 29, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
First of all, I want to say a million thank you to Helen that made my dream come true. After all this time, I can finally visited all 10 One Piece statues in Kumamoto. Helen is kind and generous. What a lovely lady. We talk a lot and even sharing our experiences about one piece during the tour and even Helen played one piece music in the car (we called it the sunny-go car, lol). Every location is such an adventure. We even visited a local shrine.

I actually find this tour from chatgpt, the top recommendation one and she was so surprised when I told that. I was planning to visit one statue to another by myself, but I stopped cause it may takes more time and the locations may not be able to reach by local bus or train. So, choosing this tour is the right choice.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
  
 
 Krista  
 
December 20, 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Helen is an absolute DREAM and her tours are top notch!!! Not only is she incredibly knowledgeable about the tour she leads, but she is also very familiar with Japan, its culture and stories, Kumamoto and so much more. She is an abundance of information and was more than happy to answer all of our questions, both tour related and whatever else came to our minds. Helen has a natural skill and talent for keeping the atmosphere fun and engaging and has an incredible personality. She is easy to get along with, very funny and there was never a dull moment. Someone on our tour needed a charging cable and she kindly drove us to the nearest Family Mart so the gentleman with us could pick one up. That’s going above and beyond! Every location we went to was breathtaking and Helen kindly offered to take pictures for everyone so we could all capture these special moments.

I would, without hesitation, absolutely come back to Kumamoto specifically to take another one of Helen’s torus! She has left such a great impression on us and I can promise this is something you won’t regret! Helen is the best!

Thank you SO MUCH!!!
Next time we want to do the One Piece tour!
😊🙏🏻❤️
  
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
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